This National Heritage-listed stretch of coast offers unparalleled beauty. Home to surf beaches, iconic rock formations such as The 12 Apostles and charming fishing hamlets alike.
Self-drive tours may offer considerable advantages; read on to discover some great tour packages for exploring Australia’s Great Ocean Road!
1. 3 Days & 2 Nights
Those looking to experience the iconic Great Ocean Road but limited on time will find that a three-day tour may be ideal. Departing from Melbourne and taking in all of its must-see sights such as seaside towns, surf beaches, koala sightings and Great Otway National Park rainforest as well as Shipwreck Coast and Loch Ard Gorge will find this tour particularly accommodating.
Fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL) or Avalon Airport (AVL), pick up a rental car, and head out on an exciting self-drive trip along the Great Ocean Road. Or alternatively book one of Melbourne’s many coach or tour experiences before setting out!
Start your Great Ocean Road journey off in Torquay where there is an array of bars and restaurants along the beachfront, plus plenty of hotels such as Parkview Motel & Apartments or Peterborough House to stay the night in.
On the second day, you’ll drive along the coastline stopping at various viewpoints for spectacular views of stacks, gorges and natural arches. Your tour continues on to Lorne where you can explore its lovely surf beaches before driving onward to Apollo Bay; an ideal midpoint before continuing onto Port Campbell National Park.
2. 4 Days & 3 Nights
Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne provide the ideal solution for those who prefer not to rent cars; these three-day excursions take in all the best sights along the coast without needing to worry about driving themselves. They also allow for customization if there’s something specific you want to experience; here is our top-rated Great Ocean Road tour list to find one that best meets your needs!
Many journeys along the Great Ocean Road start in Melbourne, a thriving regional city known for its beaches and boutique wineries. You could start from either Torquay or Geelong but many travelers opt to spend at least a night or two in Melbourne before setting out southward.
Once on the road, prepare to be amazed by breathtaking views of a spectacular coastline packed with idyllic beaches and towering cliffs. Nature enthusiasts should make time for Otway National Park with its picturesque waterfalls, elevated treetop canopy walks, and massive stand of tall redwood trees – it truly offers something for everyone!
Stay in towns such as Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, offering charming eateries and beachfront accommodation options like Sea Foam Villas – right across the road from Port Campbell Beach with modern studio apartments featuring kitchen facilities – for your second night’s meal.
3. 5 Days & 4 Nights
Australia’s Great Ocean Road boasts scenic landscapes and coastal towns teeming with life, making this iconic route a top travel bucket list item both locally and abroad. Boasting beaches, spectacular cliffs, unique limestone formations, charming seaside villages and offering visitors a wealth of experiences along its course, this region provides something new at every turn.
Start your adventure in Torquay at Bells Beach – home of the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition – before diving deeper into surfing history at the Australian National Surfing Museum. After that, move onto Lorne for some serious surf cred and an easygoing vibe, before exploring Aireys Inlet for scenic coastline dotted with rock pools.
From here, take in the incredible landscapes of The Twelve Apostles; an incredible series of limestone structures which stand tall above the waters of the Southern Ocean. As this spot is one of the most beloved spots along the Great Ocean Road, be sure to arrive early for optimal experience.
Head west at the western tail-end of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road for the Shipwreck Coast – an extraordinary stretch of coast known for its dramatic and stunning beauty. Visit Warrnambool to witness Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Allansford Cheese World before returning home via your chosen route.
4. 6 Days & 5 Nights
The Great Ocean Road is an essential journey for visitors to Melbourne and offers incredible food, wine and wilderness adventures. To fully experience this region take a tour with Intrepid’s six-day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure package which includes accommodation, tours and meals throughout your journey.
Day trips along the Great Ocean Road offer visitors who want a quick glimpse of its highlights an excellent opportunity. While it is possible to see all the main sites within one day, such as The 12 Apostles by sunset. An early start is recommended if planning this experience in its entirety.
Day 1 will find you exploring the beautiful surf towns, beaches and rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Be sure to stop at iconic sights such as Memorial Arch at Eastern View which stands out for its striking shape and setting atop a sea cliff.
At Otway National Park, lush rainforests give way to sublime waterfalls and treetop canopy walks for stunning vistas on Day 2. Enjoy lunch in casual cafes offering panoramic coastal views, breweries and distilleries, destination dining restaurants like Brae in Colac as well as wildlife-spotting opportunities such as Koalas.